The Before Picture

Some people criticize me when I refer to myself as the Before Picture. They think I'm insulting myself. On the contrary, I feel as if I am motivating myself. I obviously have a different interpretation of the Before Picture.

To me, the Before Picture is referencing someone who sees there might be obstacles in their path, but none that cannot be overcome. Someone who is faced with a challenge and is attacking it head on. Someone who is looking to overcome whatever might have prevented them from success in their previous endeavors. Someone who is working towards a goal and is not afraid to let others see them as they were when they began their journey. Someone who understands their Before Picture is just that. Before. It is the past.

Everyone has their own battles to fight. Some by choice, some not.

I’m on a mission: My goal is to better pave my way to a healthy(er) life while, at the same time and more importantly, help provide support to find a cure for lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma and help improve the lives of patients and their families.

Here’s how I hope to accomplish this: Along with my other Ride for Dads teammates, I will be participating in a 72 mile bicycle ride around Lake Tahoe in June, 2018.

I first signed up for America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride (AMBBR) in 2012 after having lived my life in a warm and cushy comfort zone for far too long. I’m not really sure how it happened, but I’m here to tell you by signing up to do that first ride I left that warm abode far behind. Today, I can barely see the glowing porch light above the front door.

I know from past experience that completing this ride will take a great deal of physical and emotional stamina. It will be time consuming and physically and emotionally draining at times. Each time I roll away on my bike, wondering how I can possibly ride any further with sore muscles, frustration and fatigue, I will be reminded that no matter how challenging this task is to me, it is nothing compared to the challenges faced by those suffering with the effects of leukemia, lymphoma and other blood related cancers.

I will not be alone: I’ve have joined forces with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training (TNT) program. TNT helps people like me, who have previously never even considered participating in endurance sports, get across the finish line.

You can help, too: By sponsoring our ride, you will be contributing to the Greater Sacramento Area Chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team In Training (TNT). You will also be helping our team reach the goal of $100,000. Once that goal is met, a research grant will be given in Jack Caulder's name. Not only that, but we will keep pushing past that goal in order to raise another $100,000 to secure a second research grant in Jerry Antkowiak's name.

Your entire donation is 100% tax deductible.

Every dollar raised will be a dollar more towards helping someone who is suffering and battling to put their Before Picture where it belongs: in the past.

On behalf of TNT and myself, thank you in advance for your support and generosity!

SUPPORT OUR TEAM